Chanceller James steps into playmaker role for Boise State football

Below are three players to watch for Boise State in Friday’s game against Washington. They’ll run as part of our Bronco Blitz package in Friday’s paper.

Chanceller James, nickel

James played two full games as a starting safety last season. He led the Broncos with 13 tackles against Air Force as an injury replacement and ranked second with nine tackles against San Diego State after winning a job the previous week.

And now he moves to nickel, the ultimate playmaking position in the Broncos’ defense.

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It’s no wonder expectations are high that he will be a breakout performer in 2015, coming off the torn anterior cruciate ligament that ended his sophomore season in November. James beat out senior Mercy Maston for the job.

At 6-foot-2, 216 pounds, James brings an imposing presence to the position.

“He made plays,” defensive coordinator Marcel Yates said. “He’s a smart kid. He loves the game. He watches film. He’s in there every day on his own. ... He looks good out there, also.”

Jeremy McNichols, tailback

Coach Bryan Harsin called him the future of the backfield in December — words that proved prophetic as McNichols won the starting job in fall camp. He’ll share time with senior Kelsey Young and junior Devan Demas.

The most productive back will continue to get the ball. McNichols, who gained 314 yards on 32 offensive touches last season as a true freshman, could be the Broncos’ next offensive star.

“He’s very good with the ball in his hands,” running backs coach Lee Marks said. “He can just do a little bit of everything, which makes us very versatile. ... But at the same time, he’s very good at running old-school power and being a downhill runner, too. That’s going to be a little bit different for defenses to plan for.”

Chaz Anderson, wide receiver

After the Broncos didn’t throw him the ball in an October game against Fresno State last season, Anderson’s ability to stretch the defense with his speed became a key cog in their game plan.

He recorded a reception of at least 36 yards in five of the final seven games, including a 57-yard touchdown in the Fiesta Bowl. He averaged 21.7 yards per catch (21 for 456), which would have ranked fifth nationally if he would have had enough receptions to qualify.

That was in his first year as a college receiver after coming to Boise State as a cornerback.

He expanded his game in the offseason.

“Being more versatile receivers is something we take to heart,” he said. “We accomplished that. ... I don’t want to be the guy to boast or anything like that. I’m very confident, I’m excited and I’m really looking forward to playing with these two other great receivers (Thomas Sperbeck and Shane Williams-Rhodes) by my side.”

About Bronco Beat

Dave Southorn joined the Idaho Statesman staff in 2013 and has covered Boise State athletics since 2005. A 2004 University of Colorado graduate, he focuses on the Broncos' basketball and football teams.